Keith,

I believe I would be trying for a curved inside bottom, rather than one that
is tabletop flat. Curves are inherently more pleasing to the eye. Of
course, not all curves are pleasing. It takes some work to get just the
right curve. Flats simply are.......well, boring.

Also, as you have discovered, absolutely flat surfaces are very hard to come
by in woodturning. I vote for curves!

Just think how unappealing the "other gender" would look if composed
entirely of straight lines!

Barry


"Keith Young" wrote in message
...
Derek
No not the base that it sits on. That I concave in slightly. The interior
of the bowl i,m refering too. I don,t like all my bowls that concave in (
on the inside ) but some that seem perfectly flat when i,m finished are
not
when the finish is applied.maybe a flat edged plastic ruler would give me
a
good indication before i decide there finished.

Keith


"Derek Andrews" wrote in message
...
Keith Young wrote:
I,ve been turning bowls now for a few years off and on. One thing that
bothers me is that every now and then after i finish one i notice that
i
didn,t turn the bottom flat ( if that was my purpose.) Its only after
the
finish is applied that this becomes obvious.Any suggestions.

If you mean that you FORGOT to turn the bottom before you finished the
bowl, I would suggest laying off the booze until you have finished in
the
workshop

If you mean that what appeared flat when it was on the lathe, but looks
rippled when it is polished, then I can sympathise with that. I recently
turned a very shallow artsy piece which is basically a platter. I
thought
it was flat across the 'platter' surface, but a few coats of danish and
a
good buffing prooved otherwise. Flat surfaces are tricky.

More care and attention is needed. Maybe offer up a straight edge. Maybe
polish it with fine abrasive and shine a light across the 'flat'.

I am guessing though that your problem is the base that the bowl sits
on.
I think the best solution is to dish it out somewhat, or decorate it by
some means. I don't find totally flat bases aesthetically pleasing.


--
Derek Andrews, woodturner

http://www.seafoamwoodturning.com
Wedding Favors ~ Artisan Crafted Gifts ~ One-of-a-Kind Woodturning